DIMIA Annual Report 2004-05
Purchasing
ASSESSMENT OF PURCHASING AGAINST KEY OBJECTIVES
The department's procurement policy conforms with core principles of the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (CPGs). Those responsible for the procurement of goods and services are provided support through the services of the Contracts and Procurement Advice Section (CPAS), ensuring that procurement activity reflects best value for money, is an efficient, effective and ethical use of public resources, and complies, where required, with mandatory aspects of the CPGs.
Compliance with Australian Government and departmental procurement policy is supported through the provision of an extensive training regime which instructs staff on policies amended by the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) and the subsequent introduction in January 2005 of the new CPGs.
140 department staff completed an accredited course (Certificate IV in Government (Tendering and Contracting)) while a number of one-day contract management courses were held for middle and senior management officers.
CPAS has also presented information sessions in central, state and territory offices informing managers and those involved in contract management of their new obligations.
As a result of the introduction of the new framework, and the resultant increase in tendering activities for 2004-05, CPAS experienced a 35 per cent increase in the amount of oral and written advice provided.